What Tests Are Conducted on Cerebrospinal Fluid for Leukemia Diagnosis?

Cerebrospinal Fluid Examination for Leukemia Patients

The primary purpose of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination for leukemia patients is to ascertain the presence or absence of central nervous system (CNS) infiltration. Leukemia, a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells, involves the extensive proliferation of abnormal cells in the bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues, suppressing normal hematopoiesis.

Significance

1. Determining CNS Infiltration: Leukemic cells can enter the intracranial space through the subarachnoid space, leading to CNS infiltration. By performing lumbar puncture to collect CSF, abnormal changes such as increased pressure and cloudy appearance can be detected.
2. Aiding Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring: For patients with acute leukemia, lumbar puncture can help determine the severity of the disease and guide the development of chemotherapy regimens. Additionally, it allows for the assessment of CSF pressure, protein content, and cell counts, aiding in evaluating disease progression and prognosis.

Precautions

Before undergoing CSF examination, patients should fast for over 8 hours to avoid potential interference with test results. Moreover, if there is a history of lumbar surgery or other severe illnesses such as hypertension or heart disease, this examination is not recommended. Ideally, the procedure should be performed under the guidance of a physician to prevent adverse reactions or complications.

CSF examination for leukemia patients is crucial as it aids doctors in better understanding the condition and guiding subsequent treatments. However, due to the inherent risks associated with this procedure, it should be conducted by specialized physicians, with close monitoring of the patient's symptoms throughout the examination.